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U.N. rights chief: Tear down security fence

July 8, 2009

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- A United Nations official called on Israel to tear down the West Bank security fence.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay made the declaration Wednesday in Jerusalem on the fifth anniversary of the International Court of Justice decision that the barrier, made up of fencing with barbed wire, concrete blocks and electronic sensors, is illegal and a violation of Palestinian rights.

The court's opinion was not enforceable.

Pillay called on Israel to take down the security barrier and make reparations to Palestinians affected by its construction. 

The security fence is two-thirds completed.

The United Nations will release a report this month on the humanitarian impact of the fence.
 

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